cruiseseal

On 9/24/2021 at 8:33 AM, Darkingnj said:

Glad to hear you found your card in order to avoid any issues at the port.  After we got into the terminal earlier this month on Allure, there was a bunch of folks off to the side with a Royal rep and they didn't look to happy.

 

We were able to add pictures and a copy of the vaccination card using the app but when we were going through check-in they still took our pictures and took a picture of the cards...lol.

 

Enjoy your cruise.

 

So, yeah, using an app during the boarding process would have been a problem, because their whole process is designed around people having CDC cards. They take photos of the cards and test results. I thought about trying to use an app anyway, but I was with my (older) parents, and didn't want to create any additional delays. I am sure it would have worked, since I was given a green light by RCCL representatives, but I didn't want to deal with the additional headache. I hope they incorporate more secure and reliable electronic records into their process sometime in the future. 

8 hours ago, Hlitner said:

I am trying to figure out this thread.  The New Jersey OP asks about using an almost useless app and many of the replies are about Hawaii.  In case folks are not aware, there is a lot more to the world then Hawaii and the OP did not even mention that State.  I would tell the OP that the standard being used around the world, when proof of vaccination is required, is to ask for the CDC Card.  That card quickly got us into Greece and is accepted in most places that welcome US folks who have been vaccinated.  The various State apps are relatively unknown (outside of their States) and not embraced by our Federal government.  

 

I do not understand why the OP would have "thrown away" the CDC card but I consider ours as important as our Passports when it comes to International Travel.  Throwing away a valid CDC Vaccine card might actually be worse then losing or tossing a Passport as there is procedure to replace a lost Passport.  How one replaces a lost or trashed CDC Vaccine card is somewhat of a mystery.  You can call that document "flimsy paper" if you please but for travelers it is a pretty important piece of "flimsy paper."  And that flimsy paper is a lot more valid then a near worthless app.

 

Hank

My wife is a physician, who administers vaccines and has access to state vaccine registry, she could have replaced my CDC card in a few minutes. It's actually far easier than replacing a passport, unless you're completely in the dark about the process in your state (although, to be fair, most people are). In addition, comparing a piece of paper without security features, that no one can verify, even in another state, not to mention another country, to a passport, is ridiculous. The states with electronic POV are trying to address the problem our disfunctional federal government could not, and the NJ app is far more secure and reliable than a plain piece of paper. BTW, I already confirmed with RC representatives that official state apps are accepted as POV.

The reason other countries accept these stupid cards is because they want your tourist money, not because they trust the card, and the reason it's accepted out-of-state is because federal government says they should. Right now, because vaccine registries are state managed, officials and medical professionals can't even verify the vaccination status of out-of-state visitors.

5 hours ago, forgotmyCCname said:

We are leaving Saturday and never had to upload any photos either.

Yeah, check-in on the website doesn't require it, but I think the app allows you to do more than the website, in terms of boarding, like filling out health and safety form. I could have probably skipped that part, just to test if I could get by with just electronic vaccine records.

Well, it looks like there's no way to do a check-in using the RC app without providing a photo of the CDC card. Not sure if the app would accept any other card/printout (didn't try it). The good news that I found my card, but I'll still try to use an app during boarding and see what happens.

Well, it looks like there's no way to do a check-in using the RC app without providing a photo of the CDC card. Not sure if the app would accept any other card/printout (didn't try it). The good news that I found my card, but I'll still try to use an app during boarding and see what happens.

4 hours ago, jerseygirl3 said:

Mine does not.  I also have Docket from NJ, and mine has my name, DOB, registry number, date of vaccine, (dose 1 and dose 2) and says "series complete."  But no lot number.  The heading is from the NJ Department of Health Personal Covid-19 Immunization Record. 

Maybe whoever administered the vaccine didn't enter that information, but it's definitely supported by the app. Also, based on the guidance I got from RC, lot numbers aren't needed, if you're using electronic POV, only name, DOB, and vaccine dates/type.

Just confirmed with RC (after a lengthy call and agent having to verify with port/manager) that official state health department apps will be accepted. It also sounded like official vaccine provider apps (like CVS) would be accepted as well, as long as they provide name, provider and vaccine date/type info. Basically, it appears that electronic records would work, as long as it's not just an image, but an actual app. I'll provide an update again after I get a chance to test this in a couple of days.

7 hours ago, birdylady said:

Keep in mind, you are talking Royal requirements right now. Also keep in mind any port that may require it. Those custom agents (or whomever will require seeing it) might not accept a digital form. Personally, I would attempt to get a letter from the or another card if at all possible.

Best of luck.

Erika

Just spoke with RC, the agent had to bring in a manager to be sure, but they confirmed that official state government health department (as well as healthcare provider apps) would be accepted, assuming they provide name and vaccine type/dates. They said they'd add a record to this effect to my account, in case I have any issues. Basically, they confirmed that they accept electronic vaccine records.

1 hour ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

True that HI Safe Travel accepts Clear as an alternative POV. But you still have to fill out the online app, upload your POV, do the online Health Questionnaire w/i 24 hrs of the flight to HI and obtain HI’s QR code (which is required in all sorts of situations depending on which island you’re on). 
That’s my point: Once you get to Hawaii, hotels (in particular) require (or are supposed to require) that you physically open the HI Safe Travels app in front of them and show them the HI QR code which also states “cleared” after going through the airport check-in before you boarded the plane. At that point, pictures of the HI QR Code, original CDC cards, Clear, your mom vouching for you, etc are not acceptable. 

Right, but in this scenario, HI is actually trying to create a more secure and reliable verification system, whereas cruise lines accept an easily faked piece of paper. You'd think that cruise lines would actually favor electronic records, that can be electronically verified. For example, SMART Health card QR code can be verified by anyone electronically, just by installing SMART Health Card Verifier app on their phone, and CLEAR app makes you take a photo that matches the photo on your passport or DL. Both are way more reliable than a paper CDC card. BTW, CLEAR is accepted internationally as well.

7 hours ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

From my experience so far, State issued POVs (primarily using QR codes) are pretty much useful only in the state in which they were issued. We’re on the island of Kauai and all that is accepted from visitors is the Hawaii Safe Travelers QR code which requires an extensive application and pix of the original CDC card. They could care less about our State of California QR code POVs.

 

My advice: get a replacement CDC card from whoever did your shots (or from the County Health Department where the shots were done).

https://www.clearme.com/hawaii?l=awaii.

Not true, Hawaii accepts "CLEAR Health Pass", which I easily got by obtaining Smart Health QR code from my vaccine provider online. Smart Health codes are available in many states from many providers. https://www.commontrustnetwork.org/verifier-list

That said, thanks for mentioning Hawaii, that's how I learned about CLEAR Health Pass and Smart Health codes 🙂 Now I have 3 forms of proof, Docket app, CLEAR app, and Smart Health card printout. If Royal doesn't accept this, even though it's accepted by international airlines, well, that would suck, but I don't think that's likely.

4 hours ago, jean87510 said:

Im going in November and will ask when boarding.  

I'm going in 2 days, so I guess I'll know first 😁

5 hours ago, AustinCruise said:

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/what-documents-are-accepted-as-proof-of-vaccination
 

I’d try to get a new copy of the card. 

Well, too late for that, my cruise is in a few days. I can have my doctor reissue a new vaccination card, of course, since vaccination records are accessible to all doctors in NJ, and they can verify this information, but that seems unnecessary, given that "electronic vaccination records where country policy requires the use of electronic documentation via app or health agency site" are accepted. Of course,  these apps are a new thing, so while I am sure I'll get onboard, I am not excited about having to educate boarding agents on NJ state and CDC policies with regards to electronic records.

I am in NJ, and Docket is the official state app for vaccine records. I got my vaccine early, and threw away the card (after I took the photo of it), since I didn't think I'd need the actual (easily faked flimsy paper) card for anything. Anyway, thankfully, NJ has Docket, so it's not a issue as far as records are concerned. I can also generate a POV PDF from the app and print it, but that's probably unnecessary in most cases.

Did anyone use Docket or any other similar app as proof of vaccination, and did you encounter any issues at boarding? Thanks.

2 hours ago, jerseygirl3 said:

The info from Docket in NJ does not have the lot numbers, just the date and type of vaccine you received. 

That is incorrect. Docket does have lot numbers. I have the app, and it shows lot numbers clear as day for both shots.

I am in NJ, and Docket is the official state app for vaccine records. I got my vaccine early, and threw away the card (after I took the photo of it), since I didn't think I'd need the actual (easily faked flimsy paper) card for anything. Anyway, thankfully, NJ has Docket, so I it's not a issue as far as records are concerned. I can also generate a POV PDF from the app and print it, but that's probably unnecessary in most cases.

Did anyone use Docket or any other similar app as proof of vaccination, and did you encounter any issues at boarding? Thanks.

1 hour ago, jjlen11 said:

I've read many of the posts and quite frankly I am disgusted.  Whats next? Place people on decks based on race, creed, color, religion? Those that drink to the front, non drinkers to the back?? I can give you more things to gripe about--parents who leave the kids run amok, high priced bingo, no straws, gee whiz---guess next suggestion will be the same colored jump suits for all!!  If you smoke, be respectful, if not do your own thing...…….

Seriously, are you comparing smoking to skin color? Do you have a skin color allergy? Does skin color make your clothes stink like dog poop? 

17 minutes ago, Fincherson said:

 

As a non-smoker with all of the above I find it very easy not to act like an entitled snob over other people's choices. If the tiny smoking areas (minus the casino as I agree it's unnecessary to have indoor smoking) bother someone SO much, maybe they should stay home or fit themselves with an oxygen mask. I sure hope nobody here is from the LA or NYC areas because, if so, you've got bigger fish to fry with all that lovely smog. Mmmmmmmmmmm. 

I've lived both in LA and NYC, and NYC air quality is awesome, one of the best in country for a large city, and in general.

https://www3.epa.gov/aircompare/

1 hour ago, njkate said:

I just laugh at some posts. I smoke and only in areas allowed, sure I'd love to sit on balcony with a drink or coffee and have my smoke but I don't because it is not allowed. I look at it as a potential fire hazard not worried about someone with a super sensitive honker that claim they can smell it from 5 cabins down.

 

As far as walking through smoking areas, the ship is big, walk another way 

You mean you "cough" at some posts? Another smoker who doesn't care, thanks for sharing. Since you don't care about your health either, I suppose we shouldn't take it personally. Also, newsflash, your cigarette smell goes way farther than 5 cabins. If cruise lines start labeling parts of the ship as "stink zones" when they market their ship, that would be fine with me, at least then you would get what you pay for.

1 hour ago, njkate said:

That's ridiculous, can't smoke outside where the smoke would dissipate but ok inside where it gets in the duct work etc and travels, what rocket scientist came up with that. I smoke and don't even do it inside.

I agree smoke free buildings is the way to go, but perimeter outside of the building is needed as well, otherwise non-smokers on lower floors have to keep their windows closed all the time. People should just switch to vaping, it's not ideal, but way less stinky.

1 hour ago, njkate said:

I was on Breakaway this past summer, many many Europeans and Israelis on my sailing!! They smoke like chimneys and also spend spend spend. from what many of you are posting there are other lines that really curtail smoking so why don't you just stick with those lines?

It seems that cruise lines that curtail smoking better are also much more upscale, which makes sense, but at that price, I'd rather fly directly to a nice all-inclusive resort. Given that I've heard good things on this thread about NCL Bliss, I am looking forward to it's arrival in NYC at the end of 2019. Until then, I can just send my feedback to NCL/RC and hope they see the light. I think things have changed a lot in the past few years, and NCL/RC can profit from improving conditions for non-smokers.

16 minutes ago, SteveH2508 said:

As a smoker, I agree that balcony smoking is a thing of the past and that people should follow the rules. 

 

I also agree that casino smoking should probably go (the last few cruises I have done it was banned in the casino, and it was a good reason for me to get out when the going got tough in the casino).

 

I, personally, can live with a non smoking casino - what I cannot abide is the coughy, hand flappy dip-sh*ts who walk through a smoking area when they can walk a few yards the other way.

 

I get that the new NCL ship's designs affect other areas with smoke overflow, however there are many other cruise lines where this is not a problem. If it is that big a deal then do your research and go with those lines.

 

I sail on lines with seriously restrictive smoking policies (Azamara has one small outside area on the whole ship for example). We (smokers) have a great time there (it is party central) - we make friends more quickly than most others on the ship.

I agree, there is no point in giving smokers a hard time if they are following the rules. In terms of choosing the right ship, I somewhat agree, since cruise lines are rarely forthcoming about the areas of the ship that may be affected by smoke. I suppose that this issue can be researched by reading the forums and such, but not everyone knows where to look or has the time to do it. Also, as you've seen from some posters here, some smokers knowingly break the rules, because they don't think they will be caught or punished as a result. We like sailing from NYC, so there aren't that many options for modern/large ships that provide enough entertainment for both kids and adults, so I suppose it's a compromise between smoking issues and everything else. I still had a great time on all the cruises, but the smoke stuff definitely added an occasional sour note to the whole experience. On a positive note, I think I saved some money, because I just couldn't enjoy the casino at all.

BTW, I didn't realize keeping the balcony door open for an extended period of time can affect other passengers (in terms of AC system). I've just read more about it, so I now understand the issue better, and I'll keep it in mind for my next cruise. In any case, with a balcony room, the idea is that you use the balcony and occasionally open the balcony door, so you'd be affected by smokers even if you don't keep the balcony door open for extended periods of time. Also, as I mentioned, I first noticed the smell with my balcony door closed.

1 minute ago, NLH Arizona said:

Cruiseseal, could I ask what your credentials are?

I am not claiming any credentials, therefore I don't need to present any. As this thread, and many others show, many cruisers suffer because of smokers on balconies (and elsewhere), therefore I don't see any need to present further proof. In addition, most cruise lines have banned smoking on balconies, in addition to other policies, which indicates this is not a made up issue.

6 minutes ago, SteveH2508 said:

Chengkp75

 

Thank you for the informed and knowledgeable explanations, to cut through the BS agenda that some posters seem to have. They clearly do not understand that you have more knowledge than they ever will have, but, because it does not fit with their agenda, they are walking around with their fingers in their ears going 'na-na-na' (or waving their arms around wafting smoke away - whatever).

 

I love the 'keep the balcony door open and sod the rest' attitude on the one hand - but - one whiff of tobacco smoke and the world is going to end on the other hand. 

I have no way to validate anyone credentials on this this forum (or yours), or their agenda. I am sure you are a smoker and enjoyed his explanation, but the fact remains, smoke comes in regardless of whether balcony door is open or closed, and balcony cabins exist for those who enjoy the fresh ocean air, and not the stink of cigarettes or resulting stink of their cabin/clothes.

3 minutes ago, chengkp75 said:

[long interesting explanation of ship's AC system]

 

But that's about the extent of the maritime AC system that I'm going to take the time to explain at this time.  I've done it enough over the years explaining why leaving the balcony doors open makes your neighbors hot on many, many threads.

I appreciate your explanation, but it doesn't align with my experience. Yes, the cold air does rush in when doors open to pool deck on cold days.

You explained room's slight positive pressure relative to ship, but did not explain why air is pulled from the outside through non-airtight balcony. I know what I experienced on three ships I've been on (especially with "special" folks smoking on the balconies), and it doesn't line up with your assertion that ship is at same exact pressure as outside. I assert that room/ship is at slight negative pressure relative to outside. Perhaps it has to do with wind/motion/etc., which creates higher than atmospheric pressure along the side of the ship, I don't know for sure, but lack of explanation doesn't change facts.